Tarot Tuesday, Ace of Swords

As part of our Elemental Studies Series, we will be studying the Suit of Swords, which corresponds to the Air Element of the Tarot.  (We will also be studying a few Major Arcana cards which are related to Air)  You can write about these cards in your Element Studies Journal, or you may choose to get a separate journal or notebook for Tarot studies.  If you don't have a deck of tarot cards, that's okay.... you can still follow along with these lessons and gain a better understanding of different aspects of Air Energy through studying the cards! For our first card of the Swords Suit, here is the Ace of Swords!

Ace of Swords

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot, 

U.S. Games Systems

*I claim no ownership or copyright of this image, it is shared here as information between friends!  No copyright infringement intended*

Ace of Sword Basics:
Numerology; 55/10/1

Astrology: All Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Planet; Mercury
Kabbalah: Kether (Crown)

Some Key Words; Mind Expanding, Mental Focus, Seeds of Truth, Application of Will, New ways of thinking, Fresh Plans and strategies, Ambition, Movement, Power, Leadership, Fresh Ideas, Timing, Change, Intellect, Initiative, Clarity, Justice, Truth, brain-storming, ideas, meditation, premise, announcement.

The Ace of Swords represents the essence of the Air Element in it's most basic form.  It is the birthplace of thought and mental power.  A Sharp mind and clear thinking can cut it's way through any conflict.  This card represents the realm of the intellect, initiative, fresh ideas, new thoughts, clarity, announcements and new beginnings in the realm of the mind.  

All of the Aces can be seen as "seeds" of the element they represent.  Ace of Pentacles is the seed of Earth, Ace of Cups is the seed of Water, and so on. The Ace of Swords is the seed of Air - the seed of thought.  It is the beginning of a new purpose, the germ of an idea.  Yet this seed requires nurturing; it needs some grounding in order for it to take root.  Without focused grounding and intentional care, this new thought or idea could easily flit away on the wind.  This card also represents how strong our words can be.  Words can be cutting and harmful, or uplifting and strengthening.  This card reminds us to use our words with care; both in how we speak to others and how we speak to ourselves.

The Ace of Swords Says;
"You possess enough verbal incision to cut through any obstacles at the moment, a new blade cuts sharp, and those who cross your path right now should take care that you do not cut straight through them with your acerbic wit.  You are prone to not suffering fools gladly so when you decide the time has come to embark on a new initiative, people had better keep out of your way." ~ Around the Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

CONNECT WITH THE ACE OF SWORDS:

here are some ways you can connect with this card.

Affirmation 1: "I am the seed of infinite ideas."

Affirmation 2: "I recognize opportunities to discover the truth."

Connection Activities;

* Resolve a situation that is on your mind, ensuring you have clarity in all dealings.

* Be very clear about your future objectives.  Speak your goals out loud or write them down.

* Speak up for yourself at a crucial moment.

* Be true to yourself.

* Think things through.  If you have an idea or project, do something to get it started instead of just thinking about it.  Remember, this card is the seed of thought, but if you don't plant and nurture the seed, nothing will come of it.

*Place the Ace of Swords on your Air Element Altar to be a reminder throughout this week, and to empower your altar with the energy of new ideas and clarity of thought.

* Try to cook the recipe from The Ace of Swords from the Epicurean Tarot (posted on yesterday's Mommy Time Monday post)  Trying something new will help you open your mind, and the recipe is designed to inspire you and strengthen your mental capabilities.

* Meditate on the Ace of Swords.  Place it in front of you, relax, and just see what thoughts begin to flow.  Don't try to block or direct your thoughts, just relax and see where they take you.  

* Meditation suggestion;
"If like attracts like, we should take care to make our thinking as kindly as possible.  When you wake in the morning, try to think a kind thought to start the day well."

*Journal on the Ace of Swords.  In your Element Studies journal or your Tarot Journal, take time to ask yourself these following questions.  Answer them as honestly as possible, and try to let your words and thoughts flow easily.  Writing is an excellent Air Energy exercise, so let yourself write as much as you can on each of these questions (or the ones that call to you the most);

• What is on your mind?
• What do you need to analyze?
• What new problem are you confronting?
• What is the point?
• Are you being just and fair?
• What decision do you need to face?
• Can you determine the truth of the matter?
• What legal, writing, or research / learning opportunities have been presented to you?
• Are you fully embracing these learning opportunities?

The more ways you can truly connect with the energy of this card, and the Seed of Air energy behind it, the better you will understand yourself, this tarot card, and the Air Element.  I hope you enjoy these suggestions and are able to find ways to apply them to your life this week, or any time!  

Sources; Around The Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

Tarot For Yourself by Mary K. Greer.

Also read;
  Tarot For Kids - The Ace of Swords from The Whimsical Tarot
Mommy Time Monday - The Ace of Swords from The Housewives' Tarot 

12 Days of Yule; Day 5 - Darkness

I have been posting Blog Prompts and Journaling suggestions at my other blog, Spirit Self Awareness Journaling.  They have been based on the 12 Days of Yule prayers at Pagan/Wiccan About.com by Patti Wigington, and I have prepared these prompts in advance with no way of knowing what the day would hold on the day the blog was scheduled to be published.

The prompt and prayer from the blog that was published today was this;


December 14, 2012 - Day 5

Day 5 ; A Prayer For The Beginning of Winter
In early winter, we can see the skies becoming overcast, and smell fresh snow in the air. Take a few minutes to think about the fact that even if the skies are cold and dark, it's only temporary.


"See the gray skies overhead, preparing the way
for the darkness soon to come.
See the gray skies overhead, preparing the way,
for the world to go cold and lifeless.
See the gray skies overhead, preparing the way
for the longest night of the year.
See the gray skies overhead, preparing the way
for the sun to one day return,
bringing with it light."

By Patti Wigington; http://paganwiccan.about.com

My Journaling / Blogging suggestion;

Take time to think about how everything comes in cycles. The winter months eventually give way to spring... things won't always be dark and gloomy. What were some times in your life you remember seeming the darkest? They didn't last forever. Even if pain from those dark times still lingers, you have had moments of joy and light again. Thank the Earth for these cycles for they help us grow and make us stronger. I recently asked a group of friends, "If you could erase the memory of the darkest time in your life, would you?" The answer was a resounding NO, because those memories, though painful, have shaped us into who we are today. So even if the weather isn't pleasant, be thankful for it. It makes us more appreciative of the sun when it does return. 

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I had planned on writing about some of my own personal dark days.  Something perhaps about many years ago, when I was a rape victim, or a drug addict.  I have recovered from those days, though their memory can still cast a dark shadow on me at times.  I was going to write about how I had overcome those "dark days" and found myself to now be a much stronger and more positive person.

But today, there is a present darkness that has cast it's shadow across our country - and across the whole world.  I think it effects all of us as humans very deeply and profoundly.  I am refering to the tragic massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.  A darkness has cast a cloud on all of us today as 28 people were killed by the gunfire of a madman, 20 of those beautiful souls being just children, between the ages of 5 and 10.

My original plan for blogging was to talk about how many of our dark times are "lessons" we need to learn, which make us stronger.  Yet when we experience something senseless, so meaningless, so tragic, we can't really think of it in the same way as a "lesson" which needed to be learned.  My own personal struggles with drug addiction in my early 20's (12 years clean, by the way!!) was one of those things that can be looked back on as a lesson.  My spirit needed to learn self-love, self-control, and to not seek "temporary fixes".  Today, the darkness and pain felt everywhere is a different kind of pain.  Because I don't think that God and Goddess send us lessons in the form of senseless violence and the loss of lives in tragic meaningless ways.  The sad truth is, bad things happen on this planet.  They happen every day.  While we don't need to look at this as a "message" from the Gods, or a "lesson" sent by the universe to our people.... we DO need to find a way to grow from this experience.  Let it change you, let it teach you.  Not because it's a lesson to be learned, but because if you don't let it change you, THEN it becomes even more senseless and pointless than it already is.  Hug your family close.  Show kindness to strangers.  Give, even when you have little or nothing to give.  Pray more often, lift up all of mankind in your prayers.  Greive for the children, and the adults who lost their lives, greive for the people who are so lost and disconnected from the Light of Spirit that they act in any way other than Divine Love.  The Sun WILL return.  It's in US... the solar power to light up the world again.  My heart is breaking for this tradgedy, and I pray for hope, I pray for peace, I pray for Light.  May The Great Wheel's turning carry us with it, forward into a place of Light, where we can learn the true meaning of Brotherhood and Love.....

Blessed Be...

12 Days of Yule; Day 4, Gratitude & New Moon

This is what I posted yesterday at Journal Yourself Awake;

At http://paganwiccan.about.com there is a list of 12 Days of Yule Devotionals and I think they are wonderful! I will share them here, along with my own thoughts on how you can journal on the Daily Devotions. I will also share some other Winter Holidays, traditions, and Lore to consider, which you can also choose to journal or blog about if you wish!

December 13, 2012 - Day 4

Day 4 ; Counting Your Blessings;
Yule should be a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it can be stressful. This is a season to take a moment and be thankful for the blessings you have, and to take a moment to remember those less fortunate.

"I am grateful for that which I have.
I am not sorrowful for that which I do not.
I have more than others, less than some,
but regardless, I am blessed with
what is mine."

By Patti Wigington; http://paganwiccan.about.com

My Journaling / Blogging suggestion;

Make another gratitude list! List people, things, and events that you are thankful for! Writing a Gratitude list is always a feel-good thing to do, it will lift your spirits and help banish stresses and worries to just spend a few minutes thinking about all you have to be grateful for! Try to spend a full 5 minutes adding things to your list! Keep writing even if the things you write seem trivial... just keep the gratitude flowing for as long as you can!

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Today, Dec. 13, 2012 - is also the New Moon! This goes quite well with our gratitude journaling for the day... it is always good to start the New Moon energy flowing with some gratitude! Yesterday we wrote about some of the dark times we have gone through and the negativity we want to release. Today, focus on those positive aspects of what you have learned. I always like to think of the New Moon as a fresh start. I can wipe the slate clean, and start the new cycle however I want!

My Journaling/ Blogging suggestion;

Write about your strengths, and how you have improved your life over the past year, and make a "wish list" of wishes and goals for the coming year. What do you want to experience more of in the future? Write it down, but fully claim it! Don't just say "I want to experience more love.".... fully claim it and write "I fully welcome more love into my life now!"

Also, for a wonderful "New Moon in Sagittarius" Meditation and visualization, check this page out;

http://www.crystalwind.ca/astrology/new-moon-energy-series/2401-meditation-for-the-new-moon-in-sagittarius.html

 

I didn't have time to write here last night, but here are some of my own thoughts from yesterday's New Moon and Yule meditation;

Part 1 - Gratitude;
I am thankful for-

My job, having a job that understands that as a mother of 3 children things come up and I can't always work the hours I am scheduled for.  I am also thankful that my job is both close to my home and close to my children's school, and I can easily walk to either place after work.  My co-workers are some of the best people I know and I am happy to be surrounded by such loving, hard working, generous people on a daily basis!
My husband's job.  He has been laid off for a few months, but this week he started work again!  Money is still tight as we now try to catch up, but I am so grateful that he has the opportunity to work, and that we can finally breathe a little easier, knowing that a paycheck will be coming again soon!  And I am grateful that my husband is a hard working man, committed to doing hard work to provide for his family!
My parents - who have helped us both financially and with emotional support and love during our time of need!
My friends... my Friends who are physically close to me, and my online, long-distance friends who offer me so much support! I am thankful for all we have learned from each other, and for the bond we share!
My children... three amazing little souls who share their life with me!  I can't even begin to explain all the ways they have blessed my life... it would take more than one blog post to even go into that!!

 

Part 2 - New Moon
For my New Moon ritual I took the pieces of paper that I had written down things I want to attract into my life on.  During the Dark Moon ritual I had written down the things I want to be removed from my life, and burned them.  Since nature does not allow a vacuum, I wrote an equal number of positives to replace the negatives that I released. 
I drew a hot bath, added Sage (for Wisdom), Lavender (for peace), Salt (for purification), and milk (for nurturing and Moon Mother energy) and I soaked in the bath and meditated.  For me, the bath is my favorite place to meditate and do spell work!  I took each piece of paper, one at a time, held it in my hand and visualized myself receiving a gift from The Goddess and God.  I unwrapped each gift in my mind, and inside of it was what I had written on the paper (example; Good Health).  I then dropped the paper into the bath water and visualized myself immersed in the Gift.  I saw it, felt it, revelled in it.  Then I would pick another piece of paper, receive another "gift" and continue with the visualization process.  It was a very beautiful and simple ritual and left me feeling very blessed and ready to begin this new moon cycle. 

12 Days of Yule, Day 3

Following along with Patti Wigington's 12 Days of Yule Devotionals, plus my own inspirations from her daily prayers, Today's journaling/blogging suggestion was this;

My Journaling / Blogging suggestion;

What are your favorite winter traditions? Many of them probably involve warmth and family time; Sitting around the fireplace, cuddling under blankets, drinking hot chocolate or hot apple cider, baking cookies and other treats.... etc. Write about your favorite ways of getting warm or share a favorite winter recipe. Spend some time with your family or close friends, sharing warmth of a fireplace (or a home nice and toasty from the heater or stove) and make some memories to write about!

(from http://journalyourselfawake.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-yule-day-3.html )

This evening I spent time with my children, doing "wintery" things together.  My oldest daughter is in 8th grade and she is in chorus at her school.  Tonite was their winter concert, so myself and my two younger children went to the school to watch them perform.  After some very proud mommy moments, plus some great Christmas music, we headed home for pizza, hot chocolate, and Christmas movies in the living room with the heater on.  We watched the classic black and white Shirley Temple movie; Heidi, while cuddling on the couch.   That movie was one of the movies we (My parents, brother, and I) always watched when I was a kid during the holiday season, and it felt great to carry on the tradition with my own children.  Spending time together, drinking hot cocoa, being warm and just feeling good about being under the same roof together while it's cold outside - isn't that just THE BEST part of winter and Yule??   Today's Yule Devotional Prayer by Patti Wigington was a Prayer to the Winter Goddess; and I think that in a way- the cold winter nights awaken the Mother Goddess within us all... male or female, mother, father, childless or child, the cold and dark nights encourage us to become closer to each other, and awaken our own nurturing instincts.

"O! Mighty Goddess, in silvery ice,
watching over us as we sleep,
a layer of shining white,
covering the earth each night,
frost on the world and in the soul,
we thank you for visiting us.
Because of you, we seek warmth
in the comfort of our homes and hearths."

After our "warm fuzzy" evening, I sent the kids to bed and had a bit of a dark moon ritual.  I asked the Goddess of Night, Nyx, to help remove boundaries and blocks within my life, and in a sense - I gave my darkness TO the Darkness.  I release the old that no longer serves me, to make room for the new and the blessings of the future which will begin with tomorrow's New Moon and onward through the Yule / Solstice season.  I also did the cord braiding ritual, calling on Nyx's daughters - The Fates, to help me more clearly see the choices that lay ahead of me so that I can move forward with wisdom.  I hope this Dark Moon night has brought you rest, healing, comfort, and nurturing, and that tomorrow's New Moon is the beginning of great blessings for all of you!

Blessed Be!

12 Days of Yule, Day 2

Follow along with my 12 Days of Yule Blog prompts here;
http://journalyourselfawake.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-yule-day-2.html

Tuesday, Dec. 11, Day 2

Day 2; A Sunrise Prayer;

"The sun returns! The light returns!
The earth begins to warm once more!
The time of darkness has passed,
and a path of light begins the new day.
Welcome, welcome, the heat of the sun,
blessing us all with its rays."

By Patti Wigington

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What does the Sun mean to me and what is my relationship with it in the Winter?  Here in the Arizona Desert, during the summer the sun is harsh.  With temperatures easily reaching well over 110 degrees, there are dangers in the summer.  Sun burn, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, etc.  The summer is the time we spend "hiding" from the sun, staying indoors where there is air- conditioning and protection from the sun.  In the winter months, there is a chill in the air and the sky can often be overcast.  But when the sun shines, or when the skies are clear, you can stand in the sunlight and almost immediately feel it's warmth. 

Today's blog prompt asked me to consider how I am spending time in the sunlight when I can.  Ironically, just yesterday my husband started work again.  Since we only have one car, this means that I am walking to work again.  So now I will have a little time outdoors each morning, collecting some sunlight!  I am happy for this!  First of all, happy that my husband is working again!  But I am also grateful for my opportunity to spend some time each day walking, it is a time of solitude that I really enjoy.  Even in the middle of the city, surrounded by houses, streets with cars rushing by, dogs barking at me... it is time for just me and my thoughts with no one else demanding my attention. 

Here in the desert, although the solstice represents the returning of the sun, and the days growing longer, it's really just the beginning of our "winter" season.  It doesn't really get cold here until January, which is also when we can expect more rain and winter weather.  But as far as what the sun represents on a spiritual level, I like to think of the Solstice as a perfect opportunity for rebirth on an inner level. 

The  third chakra, Manipura, is also known as the Solar Plexus and it is bright yellow in color.  It's great to visualize this chakra as a bright little sun, glowing right in the center of your body, just behind your belly button.  The Solar Plexus is the source of our energy, willpower, and drive.  As we welcome back the Sun this Winter Solstice, I think it's great to think not only of the rebirth of the Sun as the days lengthen, but the rebirth of our own innermost energy.  I will think of my walks to work as a time of "recharging by Solar Batteries", soak up the warmth when I can, and visualize it becoming energy that empowers my Solar Plexus chakra!  I also think I will add the "Salute To The Sun" Yoga sequence to my morning routine for the rest of the Yule season, to empower my body and help connect my mind, spirit, and body with the re-awakening of Solar energy!

Salute To The Sun

 

12 Days of Yule; Day 1

12 Days of Yule; Day 1

Follow along with my 12 Days of Yule Blog Prompts here;  http://journalyourselfawake.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-yule-day-1.html

Today's Prayer;

"Cold and dark, this time of year,
the earth lies dormant, awaiting the return
of the sun, and with it, life.
Far beneath the frozen surface,
a heartbeat waits,
until the moment is right,
to spring."

By Patti Wigington

Here in the desert, the winter is not the classic "winter" that they sing about in the Christmas songs.  It doesn't snow here, many of our trees are still green, so it can be difficult to connect with that "Winter" feeling.  But there is a chill in the air, the nights get pretty cold, and there are subtle differences.  It sounds different outside, there are no cicadas chirping loudly in the Palo Verde trees, no buzzing of bees, and many birds have gone further south for the winter (spoiled, aren't they?)  I don't hear the mockingbirds anymore.  There are no lizards or geckos crawling the walls of my house, and the un-ending stream of ants that was trying to invade my home all summer has mysteriously disappeared.  So even while I can't really connect with the songs about snow, and my picture of winter is quite different than my ancestors must have experienced in Germany, Ireland, and England many many years ago....I can still find ways to contemplate the winter and what it means for me here in the desert.  Today's blog prompt asks us to consider what has gone dormant around us, and what might also need to go dormant in our lives.  The Earth simplifies herself in the winter, shedding all that she doesn't need, reserving energy for the spring.  She becomes a minimalist.  So I ask myself, what can I minimize in my life?  What parts of my life need to "Hibernate" for a while?

I know that in my home, I have a lot of clutter and "things" that I need to let go of.  I had begun a room-by-room decluttering process in the fall, and I need to continue with that and really purge the closets and shelves of things I no longer need, use, or love. 

I need to let go of an attitude that creates procrastination.  This may seem counter-intuitive to winter dormancy, since a lack of procrastination would actually result in me doing MORE.  But my procrastination creates more stress, and I need to let that go. 

I drew a tarot card, asking what I need to release and how I can do it, and I got The Ace of Pentacles.  The Ace is about beginnings and planting seeds of prosperity, reaching out and grasping the abundance that is available.  I feel that this card is confirming my thought that I need to release my procrastinations and stress.  Although the earth lies dormant, some seeds of the spring are already in the ground, preparing for spring so they can grow.  I can take this time to plant my own "seeds" and prepare for the future.  I need to keep planning, and "planting" and even though I might not see the fruits of my labor right away, the process needs to begin now.  I need to let my financial fears and worries go dormant, and focus on the hope for better times that are on their way.  Today I will work on putting my fears to rest, and to know when the time is right to act.  I plant the seeds and expect the best!

The following is from "Around The Tarot in 78 Days" by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin;

The Ace of Pentacles says;
"There is a material opportunity in the making that is not yet fully formed.  You must be open and receptive  to material reward; good times could be awaiting you.  Now is the time to set the ball rolling on any venture or transaction, or to court prosperity by merely investing in a solitary lottery ticket."

Connect to your card;
Plant a seed -- whether literally or one of an idea.  Have a fresh start at something new.

You are blocking this card today by;
1. Not investing in your future security.
2. Turning down that lucrative deal you have been offered.
3. Not buying a lottery ticket.
4. Refusing the support you have been offered.

Meditation;
"Great oaks from little acorns grow." Allow yourself to be like the little acorn; know that you will grow forever upwards and fulfill your destiny.

Affirmation;
"I am the seed of all that can be created"

Mommy Time Monday - Embracing Your Potential

Mommy Time Monday! Each week I'll draw and post a tarot card from The Housewives Tarot and share it with you. So go ahead, sit down and take some time for yourself, you never know what inspiration and advice The Housewives may have for you!

I decided that it was time again to pull out my Trusty Housewives Tarot Deck and do a "Mommy Time Monday" blog.  It's been awhile since I have blogged..... I am sorry for my absence! (I just realized I haven't done a Mommy Time Monday blog since 2011!)  I have been so busy this year; which started out with some amazing spiritual growth and and excitement and then it all sort of fizzled out, I hit overload and my depression and anxiety hit me full force and put me out of commission for awhile.  Slowly I am picking up the pieces.... feeling like myself again... seeing the beauty again!

So I pulled out my Tarot deck and asked for a card that would symbolize the best lesson for me this week.... and not just for me but for others like me who read my blog.  I trust in the Law of Attraction when it comes to my readings; the card that I has the message we need to hear right now is the one that gets drawn, and that those who need to hear it's message will be drawn to read the blog I write on it.  So here we are... and the card I drew is one I drew a few months ago... back in October of 2011.  When I get cards more than once it's usually a sign that I need to spend more time understanding what that card really means as it applies to me, to more fully digest, understand, and implement it's meanings into my life.  Looking at the meanings from The Housewives' Tarot guidebook, I know that things are back in order... I AM in control of my situation and really have things in order to where I can do what I need to do. 

 The guidebook reads;
"You've finally got it all - the doting husband, beautiful children, and the gorgeous home, complete with white picket fence and dog. No more "keeping up with the Joneses." Now the Joneses have to keep up with YOU! The World represents a goal that has been realized, or the successful completion of one stage of life."
More importantly, I think the message here is delivered best by the picture on the card.  A recipe box that is used as an organizer for all aspects of life.  So we might have the plans, the recipes all laid out.... but it's what we DO with what we have that makes a difference.  We might not actually have the gorgeous home with a white picket fence, perfect car, or doting husband... but what are we doing with what we DO HAVE?  I think the message here for us right now is about fully using our resources, skills, talents, and passions to create the outcome we want.  Just having it all does not assure us of a life filled with happiness and contentment.  And some of the most content and happy people have very little... but they find contentment with what they do have, and make it work for them.

The key words for the classic meanings of this card are;

Integrating
Accomplishing
Becoming Involved
Feeling Fulfilled

(More on meanings and interpretations of The World card here)

So it's less about what we have and more about how we make use of what we do have, and how we will accomplish our goals within the restraints of our personal experience.
Yesterday I overheard my husband on the phone, saying something very wise to a friend of his.  (Yes, the man has his moments of brilliance!)  He said, "You don't have money for something, instead of saying 'I can't afford that', you should say 'What can I do to get the money and make it happen?"  He was simply referring to focusing on the solution rather than the problem... which I think is the essence of The World Card. 

In Mary K. Greer's book, "Tarot For Yourself" she lists some questions you can ask yourself for each card, to help yourself fully understand what the card is teaching you and integrate it's meaning into your life.  I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions throughout the week and see where you end up!

What are you doing to free yourself from limitations and restrictions in your life?
Or, what are you doing to work freely within them?
What potential do you see in yourself?
What physical needs must you take care of?
What is making you dance for joy?

I am already beginning to feel a little less restricted and burdened.  Just trying to think of my life, my schedule, my home.... in terms of possibilities and potentials of what I could do.... rather than seeing it all as restrictions and limitations.  I have tools I can use, things I have learned.... from FlyLady advice to my work training, to Meditation techniques and Yoga Poses.... I have a multitude of possibilities on how I can approach each situation I am faced with each day this week.  So what am I going to do with what I have?  And what about you?



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The Housewives' Tarot, by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum, Quirk Publications
I claim no ownership of this deck, it's artwork, or the shared message from the guidebook.
If you would like your own personal reading with The Housewives' Tarot, come check out the Domestic Divination section of my website! Have a Blessed week! ~ Lady Jo

Tuesday's Oracle - Vacuum Away Fear

This week's Oracle Card is "Vacuum Away Fear" from the Angel Therapy Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue. This card is beautifully illustrated by Howard David Johnson and shows a Golden-winged angel holding high the serpentine staff that represents health and healing. When an angel is depicted holding this symbol it is usually representative of Archangel Raphael who is considered to be the Archangel of Healing.

The card reads; "Call upon Archangels Michael and Raphael to lift fear-based energy from you, your surroundings, this situation, and everyone involved."

There is a simple visualization and meditation technique that I LOVE, during which you ask the Angels, your Spirit Guides, or the Universe to vacuum away any negative feelings, fears, illnesses, etc. from your physical and auric field. This week I have had some concerns because my schedule at work has been changed and I will be making less money. I think this card is an excellent reminder to give my fears over to God/Goddess and not let these fears or worries plague me. We all need a reminder now and then to release any negative energy we are carrying, and the Angels can help us with this! The exercise is simple;

Sit calmly and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Relax and pray. When you feel comfortable, call upon Archangel Raphael (the Divine Healer) and Archangel Michael (God's Warrior and our Protector) to come to you.... visualize and feel their presence close to you. Visualize that they are holding a golden Vacuum tube that extends to the heavens. Ask them to use this vacuum to suction away any negative thoughts, worries, anxieties, and fears. They will slowly and gently attach the vacuum tube to your Crown Chakra (at the top of your skull) Breathe deeply and evenly and feel the vacuum suctioning away all negativity from your being. You can visualize black and gray flecks like bits of dust being pulled from your body into the vacuum. These flecks of dust may be held in any part of your body.... start from your feet and work your way upwards visualizing and feeling the release of worries and toxins as these feelings are vacuumed away. Visualize the dark spots being sucked up the vacuum tube all the way to the heavens.... here they are given to The Universe and The Divine to be healed. Once you feel like you have been cleared, ask Michael and Raphael to fill you with healing and love. They will put the vacuum tube in reverse and it will fill up your body with light. You can feel and visualize this as a warm white, purple, or blue light which seeps into every part of your body, healing the places that were holding the negative energy, giving you a feeling of peace and strength, and filling you up with the Love of The Divine. Thank the Angels and The Divine for their help and healing, breathe deeply, and when you are ready, open your eyes. Stretch and look around. Your vision may be brighter and clearer, and you will have a deep sense of calm and a new confidence and love radiating through your aura. Go about your day as planned. If you find yourself worrying or feeling fearful again, stop and visualize the light inside of you erasing away that dark spot. Sometimes it has become a habit to worry, we just have to work on replacing the fear-habit with a love-habit. Don't punish or judge yourself for being fearful or worrying.. this is what you're used to doing. Just gently correct the thought and replace it with a positive, loving thought.

The guidebook for the Healing With The Angels Oracle Deck gives us a prayer that we can use when we do this exercise.

"Archangels Michael and Raphael, I call upon you and your healing Band of Mercy Angels to come now with your spiritual vacuum cleaner. Please deposit the vacuum hose through the crown chakra and suction away toxic, fear based energy."

Meditate and visualize as suggested above. Before you ask the Angels to reverse the flow and fill you with light, say this prayer;

"Thankyou, Michael and Raphael for this healing. Please now fill the body with your diamond-bright white light to heal and protect."

(Doreen Virtue suggests asking for a white light, but I have noticed that sometimes the light the Angels send me is purple, violet, or a sparkling blue.... trust that whatever color of light the Angels choose to give you, this is the type of healing you need at this time. If you have trouble "feeling" the color then just visualize sparkling white with prism like rainbow reflections and trust/know that whatever type of healing and protection you need is flowing from the heavens straight into your physical body.)

You can also help others with this healing by guiding them through it, or with their permission, simply asking the angels to do this and visualizing the same as above, but on the person in need. Another thing you can do is ask the Angels to vacuum away negative energy from your physical surroundings. They will gladly assist you in clearing away negativity from any space, room, house, or object using the same technique as above. You can visualize the Angels attaching their Spiritual vacuum hose to your vacuum cleaner and as you literally vacuum away dirt they will vacuum away the negative vibes that may be present in that area. (But you don't have to physically vacuum to do this, just ask for their help!)

Goodbye Pisces... hello Spring and Renewal!

"So how
how will I go
Back on
Back on the shelf
with a smile
with a smile
to the customer and say
on sale by the owner

Here I
Here I go again
Breaking
Breaking porcelain
Is that all I am
just a Doll you got used to
We've done
We've done this before
as Mars sauntered through his door
Don't say it's time to say
Goodbye to Pisces
Goodbye to Pisces
Goodbye my Pisces"

~ Tori Amos, "Goodbye Pisces", from The Beekeeper, Sword and Stone

The Pisces sun has taught me a lot, and although the sun has now transited to Aries, I feel that it is time to take one final look at what I have learned through this Pisces cycle. Drawing some cards from my trusty Housewives' Tarot deck, and following some questions as posted here - Journaling With Pisces and The Moon, time for a little journey within....


What does this card represent to you? The Moon from The Housewives' Tarot doesn't have the usual symbolism of dogs, towers, or overall dismal terrain, but simply the image of a woman sleeping. What are her dreams telling her? Does she listen to them, or pass them off as simply dreams and nothing more? Is she afraid of her dreams, or inspired by them? These are the questions that I see represented in this card, as well as a call to pay attention to your inner voice. Drawing another card, asking myself, what does this card's imagery represent to me? I got...
The Knight of Wands
*exuberance * mischief * loyalty
My dreams have both the power to propel me forward, and to leave me frozen in fear. Am I being loyal to my dreams and instincts? Am I feeling exuberant about the messages of my inner voice? Am I willing to get into some mischief or will I take the safer path? Why am I answering a question with more questions? Simply put, this card shows me one thing in particular - my dreams are a vehicle, my instincts and desires are my vehicle and my armor, but I must pump the pedals and choose to move the vehicle forward myself, or leave it parked and let my dreams simply remain dreams.

What have you forgotten? I drew the Six of Wands. * Victory * Triumph * Praise *. Have I forgotten the feelings of victory and triumph? Certainly. I have become beaten down by certain events and circumstances in my life. At this point, I don't even have a home to be proud of, and I'm living on borrowed time, in borrowed property. I don't feel worthy of praise, but perhaps I have forgotten how to take pride in other aspects of my life, and I have forgotten how to feel victorious. Funny how this card focuses around the Shiny Sink, which is the focal point of my Housekeeping Mentor - The FlyLady. Have I forgotten to take pride and feel triumph over the state of my current home, just because of the fact that we are being forced to move? I need to take it back to basics, Shine My Sink, and allow myself to feel Victorious and Triumphant, because feeling anything less than that is just blocking the real victories from manifesting.

What do you instinctively want to do? I have been having trouble determining the difference between my instincts and my worries lately. On one hand, I am not worried at all. I should be running around frantically, trying to find a place to live, a job, etc. But most of the time I am just going about life as usual. Am I in denial, or are my instincts simply telling me not to worry?? I drew the Ace of Cups. Hmm... renewal, celebration, *new relationships * Beginnings * Foundation * Instinctively I know that change is good, that all things happen for the best, and that this is just another part of my soul's cycle. Raise the glass, make a toast. "To Beginnings!"

What kind of cycle or pattern are you repeating? "We've done, we've done this before, As Mars saunters through his door...." Have I been through this before? The Seven of Wands says Yes, Repeatedly. When in my life have I not faced challenges and crisis? When have I not been fighting for something? Life is a series of challenges, and I must keep that in mind. I've survived much in the past, but that was the past. This is my current challenge, here, now. Yes, I have cleaned the damned toilet every week for the past eleven years. But if I stop now, what will I have? A dirty toilet. At least over the years I have learned tips and tricks, refined my methods, and have gathered a whole slew of cleaning supplies to attack those stubborn new stains.

Are your actions appropriate to this particular situation or are you responding to some past situation? Actions? Half the time I am wondering what actions I can take. The other half of the time I am beating myself up for not taking the obvious actions. But I think in the long run, there is only so much I have been able to do. An occasional day spent doing job search or online applications, followed by days of simply doing the housewife thing. One day might be all work or business, followed by 3 days of reading fiction and writing poetry. Temperance says I have managed to blend a little bit of my past and present situations into the mix. Not reacting wholly on my past, but not leaving my past out of my actions either. I think, at least when it comes to the actions I take, I have learned not to let my past define me - but have also learned when to take a page or two from my past in the name of experience or wisdom.

What is bewildering or confusing you? How could things have gone so wrong? Why is it so unfair? This was supposed to be the happy time of buying our first home, and it turned into a nightmare (no fault of ours) because of other people's greed and stupidity. Death. I guess I have been a bit bewildered and confused about this whole thing with buying this house. Then finding out we can't buy this house, because the previous owners were dishonest and the bank made a mistake, so now we have to leave. Somewhere in my happy little housewife's life, I was under the impression that people were honest and good, and that somehow or another I would have my dream home. The dream went bad, I have to let it go. I'm still in shock, bewildered. But when you find that rotten food in the fridge, you don't keep it and hope that it gets good again. You throw it away and buy new food.

What is real and what is illusory? Control. It's real, but it's an illusion. I don't have control over these circumstances, but I DO have control over my life... it's all in how I react. Material Things. These are also both real and illusion. I may feel like I need more to get by, but in reality, I have much more than I need, and need much less than what I have. I am the Queen of Pentacles... this card is actually my astrological court card, and often my significator. So why did it come up here, for this question? Because this is me, but this is also the Illusion of me. I have the potential of being a control freak, I have the ability to be materialistic, I can have high expectations. But these are not rules that bind me. They are nothing more than words to describe the sometimes-real and sometimes-not aspects of me. I can deal with that.

The Star / Moving Forward Fearlessly

Journaling with Aquarius and The Star - see the original post/meme HERE

Do I allow my higher source to be my guide?
I wish I could say, "yes, always!" I wish I could say this is easy, and that I don't need reminders and universal nudges to allow myself to be guided by God and Goddess and the Higher Powers of the Universe. The truth is, I forget. It's as simple as that, because it doesn't take any effort to allow my higher source to guide me, it just takes awareness. Us humans though, we are such silly creatures of habit. And 30 years of habitually forgetting to allow myself to be guided - well, it's a hard habit to break.
How can I nurture myself and those around me more?
Be more forgiving of myself. If I am not so hard on myself, and willing to forgive myself for my short-comings, the Love and Nurturing can flow more easily. If I allow myself to act out of Love, rather than acting because I feel like "I have to do this", then the Nurturing becomes simple.
Do I emit a presence of peace and harmony to others?
Hmmm... not lately. I have been a bundle of nerves; the combinations of stress and uncertainty with hormones and poor health have provided a gateway for my clinical depression to take hold of me again. Chemical imbalances, sick children, and money problems are not exactly a friendly breeding ground for peace and harmony... but I think this goes hand in hand with the two previous questions. If I allow Spirit to guide me, forgive myself, and nurture myself, I won't be able to help but emit a presence of peace and harmony.
What can I do to allow more tranquility into my day?
Do I need to allow more tranquility into my day? OR - do I just need to recognize the opportunities for tranquility that are already here? Yes. That one. If I am open to it, I can find tranquility in washing the dishes, folding the laundry, writing a blog, putting in job applications, looking for a house, and doing homework with my children. Aside from that, I think if I made time for daily yoga and meditation again - something that I have gotten away from in the past two months - I would allow more tranquility into my day with these practices.
What can I do to be more at ease with myself and my surroundings?
Continue to get rid of clutter and physical things that cause clutter and messes. Prioritize the things I need to get done, or make a list of important things to do and try to accomplish one thing a day. Follow the Guidance of My Higher Self. Forgive Myself. Nurture Myself. Find tranquility in everything. Meditate. Do Yoga. Write.

-------------------------------------------------------
I decided to draw an Oracle Card to go along with my journal on The Star. I thought the Fairies would have some advice for me to help me embrace and follow through with the things I wrote about above. So, using the "Healing with the Fairies Oracle Cards" by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., I asked the Fairies what further advice they had for me.

"Moving Forward Fearlessly"

Yes, of course. It just comes down to Fear. Not listening to my Higher Power? Fear. Not being nurturing to myself and those around me? Fear. Not allowing peace and harmony to flow through me? Fear. Not recognizing the tranquility all around me? Fear. Not being at ease with myself and my surroundings? Fear. I have been so afraid of so many things, that I have blocked myself from moving forward. I have locked myself into this corner because I have been so afraid - afraid of not having enough money, afraid of not being able to find a job, afraid of not being able to find an affordable place for my family to live. I have become so afraid of failure that I have stopped seeing the successes around me. Well, it is time to let go of the Fear. Time to trust, time to have an abundance of Faith, and time to begin Moving Forward Fearlessly.

From the guidebook by Doreen Virtue;
"You are making big breakthroughs in your life by putting your Divinely inspired ideas into action. Trust that you are guided each step of the way. Those gut feelings, dreams, and strong impulses you've been getting aren't just examples of wishful thinking. They represent the germination of new projects and situations that are vehicles for your Divine life mission. Don't ignore these gifts from heaven, which come on wings of repetitive, strong thoughts and feelings. The fairies ask you to honor your inner feelings by taking at least one step today in the direction of making your dreams and desires a reality. Fearlessly take one step to dismantle any part of your life that is out of integrity. Take another step toward realizing your heart's desire. Even a tiny step that is remotely related to improving your life will make you feel like you're soaring with the fairy realm. Keep taking one step a day, and soon your dreams will be a reality.
Affirmation; I move forward fearlessly, trusting that each step I take is perfectly guided."

Imbolc, Hebe, Aquarius, and The Star

Imbolc, Hebe, Aquarius, and The Star

Preparing for Imbolc, the Pagan celebration of the first signs of spring, I've been thinking about the astrological sign of Aquarius, hoping to get more insights into this season of change and renewal. In tarot, I often find that the tarot cards that correspond with the astrological signs around certain holidays usually holds some significance - as in, there are no coincidences. (Samhain/Halloween and the Death card, New Year's Day and The Devil card, etc.) So, looking into Tarot, Astrology, and Mythology, I'm hoping to let my brain pick apart this lesser sabbat of Imbolc.

In the Wheel of The Year, Imbolc falls on February 2nd, a time when winter is still upon us but the signs of an approaching spring are becoming more apparent. Rains come, the nights are growing shorter and the hours of sunlight growing longer. At Yule, the Goddess gave birth to the Baby Sun King, and he is gaining his strength. Many legends hold that during this time of year, the Goddess, in her Maiden form, is sleeping. Once she awakens, she will join with the God and together they will bring Fertility and growth back to the land (Beltane / May Day). It is the Goddess in her young and pure Maiden form that I find represented in the Tarot card, The Star.

In this version of the card, from The Celestial Tarot by Kay Steventon and Brian Clark, she is represented as Hebe, the Greek Goddess of Youth. Here is an excerpt from the booklet that comes with this beautifully illustrated deck;

" To the ancients, Aquarius was the power of the flowing, often flooding, water. The Star represents both strands of Aquarius; it heralds the revolutionary new way of being after a period of turmoil or suppression and is also representative of a wellspring of hope and renewal. Aquarius' innovative and creative new vision pours forth like manna from heaven, a welcome downpour after the disruption and chaos of The Tower (card 16). In the Celestial Tarot, Hebe pours forth the invigorating waters recycled from the abundant springs of life over mankind. She symbolizes renewal, hope, bright prospects, inspiration, and spiritual guidance. The Star is the light of the higher self and it is Hebe the heroic anima who illuminates inner darkness and heralds the dawn of a hope filled future."

I decided to look more into this youthful Goddess, Hebe. Who was she? Hebe was the daughter of the Zeus and Hera ( The Goddess of Marriage, sister of Demeter and Hestia). Hebe was the cup bearer to the Olympians, serving them their nectar and ambrosia until she became the wife of Heracles (Hercules). She was the patron Goddess of young brides and maidens, and attendant to the Goddess Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love). It is no wonder that she is depicted in this card, The Star, as most Greek paintings and sculptures of her depict her carrying or pouring liquid from a vase or pitcher.

Hebe is known as The Goddess of Youth, or sometimes The Goddess of Spring. She was prayed to by warriors who needed the vitality of youth before going into battle. One example of this is found in the story of Iolaus, who was the former charioteer of Heracles. In his old age, he prayed to Hebe before a fight with Eurystheus, asking to be young again for just one day - a wish that Hebe granted.

The concept of Youth is central to the Astrological sign of Aquarius. The Fixed Air sign, it is related to stability and stamina. The Waterbearer is commonly known for being a humanitarian; ruling over the 11th House, the House of Friendship and Hopes & Wishes. It is easy to see how Hebe fits into this category of giving, as she happily took her place attending to the Olympian gods, refilling their cups with her nectar of vitality and youth. The Concept of youth not only refers to strength and stamina though, and being young or youthful also has other traits that are commonly associated with Aquarius. These are some common traits attributed to the Fixed Water sign of the Zodiac and you can see how everyone, in their youth, as exhibited these traits; Humanitarian, Emotionally Cool, Innovative, Rebellious, Independent, Disruptive, Friendly, Uninvolved, Visionary, Impractical, Tolerant, Perverse, Unusual, Individualistic.

As the Earth slowly awakens from it's winter slumber, it enters a period of almost juvenile youth. These late winter storms can be strong, and even harsh, as if the water and wind don't know their own strength. Yet it is through the gift of these waters that the land is reborn. The trials we face as a young adult or teen are often the ones that shape us into the adults we become. I think we can all stand to take time to look back at our youth and the lessons we learned from this period of vitality. Also, we can look at our lives now, in what ways are we still growing, still "young"? In what ways might we benefit from having the youthful attitudes of rebellion, independence, innovation, or creativity? In ancient times (and still today, it was the young men - the youthful, who were sent into battle and trusted to win the day. Perhaps this lesson can be taken to heart in another way. Yes, as we grow older we grow wiser, but sometimes in life it may be necessary to take a youthful stance, to trust that youthful part of ourselves to make the right choices and win the battle we face. Consider this; "Aquarius takes as it's purpose the experimentation with all established structures. It freely crosses all man-made boundaries in order to experience the new and unusual. It is related to reform within the structure of a group, bringing innovative ideas." ~ M.J. Abadie, from "The Everything Tarot Book.

Maybe it's time to ask Hebe to give us some of that Youth-like exuberance and innovation. The Earth is in a state of renewal and rebirth, and as her inhabitants, so are we.

Here's another quote to consider;
"I am no worshipper of Hygia, who was the daughter of that old herb-doctor Asclepius … but rather of Hebe … who had the power of restoring gods and men to the vigour of youth. She was probably the only thoroughly sound-conditioned, healthy, and robust young lady that ever walked the globe, and whenever she came it was spring." (Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862, Walden).

Here's another blog I wrote on Aquarius and The Star, check it out!
Journaling with Aquarius and The Star

(note.... sorry for the Double Post for those of you who are subscribed to both of my blogs... I meant to post this here but posted it at my other blog (link above) by mistake, so then, rather than deleting it I just decided to put a copy of it here)

Tarot Journal - 13 Death; my Hidden Factor card

Josephine’s Tarot Journal - November 2 2009 - DEATH

I have always been afraid of change and the unknown. Capricorns generally like stability, and we can be quite the perfectionists as well. Change is uncertain, and how can I be sure that things will turn out just right if there is any uncertainty in my vision? I think for most people, fear can be the biggest obstacle in life and it is no different for me. I can’t see the future. I can make educated guesses about what will happen, and I sometimes can utilize my intuition and empathy to help me divine what the next step will be, but tomorrow is mostly unknown. I can admit that this fear of change, this fear of the unknown outcome, has prevented me from taking risks in areas like my career and my finances. I am, after all, still a waitress after 11 years. I would love to be able to take my tarot readings and interest in astrology to another level and do it professionally, but I tend to hold myself back. What if I’m not good at it? What if I give someone bad advice? What if I don’t make enough money doing it? What should I charge for my services anyways? What would my mother think? That’s just an example of one area in my life where I know that fear of change and the unknown has held me back.


A couple years ago I discovered how to make a “Tarot Profile”. Using numerology and astrology, you can figure out what specific tarot cards represent you. Learning the meanings of these cards can help you on a journey of self discovery, and I believe that knowing yourself is the first major step towards enlightenment. There are three main important cards to know, and these are your Personality Card, your Soul Purpose Card, and your Hidden Factor card, sometimes called your Shadow Card. My Hidden Factor card is Death. When I first calculated this card, I was not too happy with this outcome. I mean, of all the 22 Major Arcana, who wants this card to describe their personality? But I have come to understand it and accept it over the years.


The Hidden Factor card usually represents aspects of your life or personality which are hidden from you. The things about yourself that you fear or reject. It could be defined as the “Denial Card”, and it shows the true nature of your challenges and obstacles through life. Though it’s tempting to reject and ignore this card in my Tarot Profile, I can see how it fits. I am constantly in a state of change or growth. My interests, beliefs, projects and goals are always changing. I will become stagnant or “stuck” for awhile; sometimes I get overwhelmed, tired and depressed and just get stuck in a rut or give up on my goals for awhile. Then I will wake up again, grow, change, take a new direction and begin again. It is how I have always functioned. Seeing this as my Hidden Factor card is actually comforting in some ways… to realize and see that these cycles I go through aren’t just laziness or ADD, but perhaps just who I am. It gives meaning to my past and hope for my future. I know I will experience stagnation again, but it will always be followed by another new beginning or surge of growth. The song by Tori Amos, “Little Earthquakes” comes to mind. It really is how I function. My experiences and emotions run so deep, I sometimes have to experience a “little earthquake”, or strong change or upheaval before I can move forward. I tend to hold myself back not just because of fear, but because I want to be sure to get the full experience and learn all I can before I move on and transform myself again. In a way, I guess I need to recognize and accept that I am always changing, always in a state of transformation and renewal. As much as my past has shaped me, it does not define me.


Yet sometimes before growth can really happen, some healing and purging needs to happen. Like cleaning your house, you can’t rearrange the furniture until you clean house and get rid of some clutter. Despite all the changing and growing I have done, I still feel like there is a lot of healing and purging that needs to be done as well. I tend to feel better when I write, and I am always advocating journaling as a tool for self-discovery and healing. But lately I haven’t been doing very much personal journaling or blogging. Perhaps it’s time to challenge myself, to make a commitment and see if I can stick with it for a whole month. I am always starting new things but never finishing them. What would happen if I actually set a personal goal and met it? Would I find confidence? Healing? Closure?


Why not start right now? I enjoy using tarot cards as tools and prompts for my journaling, yet I don’t stick to it as often as I like. What about a card a day, and a journal entry or blog every day to go with that card? 30 cards, 30 days. I feel like my Hidden Factor card, Death, is calling me to action. It is time to take some steps and start writing down my thoughts and feelings, purging and healing and “cleaning house’. A transformation is at hand.

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This journal is part of my NaNoWriMo project for 2009, "November's Cards"

it is also a response to the journaling assignment or prompt at my other blog, Journal Yourself Awake.

Spiritual Sunday; Pagan Pride Day / The Hermit

Since I don't go to church, I think that I should still try to take time once a week to fous on my Spirituality. (Actually, I would go to church if I didn't work on Sundays, there is a nice Universal Unitarian Church not far from here, but my work schedule is something I can't change right now.) Even my "Cleaning /Housework Motivator", FlyLady, calls Sundays "Renew Your Spirit" days and encourages you to take time with your religion. So I figured that my Sunday blogs, as time permits, will be dedicated to my spirituality.

I recently found a site called "Pagan Blog Prompts" which offers up weekly questions with a Pagan perspective, so I will give that a try, and perhaps include my own site, "Journal Yourself Awake" for subject matter, or Tarot readings, or meditations, etc. Whatever tickles my spiritual fancy each week.... ;o)
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Pagan Blog Prompts
Prompt: Pagan Pride
All over the country, and even in some other countries, Pagan Pride Days can be found somewhere in the late summer to early fall. Last time I saw this question, it came up around the same time of year, so it makes sense for me to post it now....In regards to Pagan Pride Day events and the like, "Do public gatherings serve your faith... or are they just big parties that serve the ego?"I once heard someone comparing PPD to a Gay Pride Event, as a way to "shove our beliefs down everyone's throat", but I know there's got to be more to these events than that....

Last year, I think it was in October, I attended my first Pagan Pride Festival. It was GREAT! Actually, this blog prompt has reminded me that I need to start planning for this year's festival, ask for the day off work, start saving up some spending money, etc. Looks like they have some great entertainment and workshops going on this year; http://www.phoenixpaganprideday.org/
As far as the question; "Do public gatherings serve your faith... or are they just big parties that serve the ego?" Well, I think it's a matter of the person who goes. Some people will go to events just to be seen, it's no different than people who attend church events just to put on the appearance of being faithful, or sports fans who paint their faces and go to a sporting event in hopes of being on tv. No matter what kind of event it is, there are always some people who attend for the right reasons, and some who attend for the "party". At the event I attended last year, it seemed less of a party and more of a true gathering of the Pagan Community. There were many different Pagan beliefs represented, and a lot of great information to be found. I learned a lot. I attended my very first Buddhist Prayer/Chant ceremony, and it was really beautiful and amazing. I learned that there is a large active Druid community in Phoenix, and that there are more metaphysical book stores and Pagan supply stores around than I had realized. To me, it was just a very refreshing reminder that I am not alone, as being a semi-closeted, solitary practitioner can sometimes leave me feeling isolated and alone. I met some great people, heard some great music, and had a really great day. It was also great time to stock up on Sage, Crystals and Gemstones, and handmade jewlery. I think it would be a great opportunity for people to learn about the Pagan community, and it was not a very "Shove it down your throat" type of atmosphere at all it was more like a craft fair. You could observe some rituals if you wanted, you could ask questions of the shop owners, you could sit and listen to music or watch the belly dancers, or you could attend workshops if you wanted, and of course you could get Tarot readings. There was nothing that you had to do if you didn't want to, it wasn't a "rally" with people holding signs and shouting, and I think it was a great asset to our Pagan community and that it did serve the faith by bringing people together. Not to mention the fact that the price of admission was to bring non-perishable food which would be donated to homeless shelters!!
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Journal Yourself Awake

Journaling with The Hermit; "Time To Analyze" (<---Check out the original post for more info. These journaling questions are based on the Tarot card "The Hermit", which is related to Virgo [The current sun-sign] and also reflect the importance of slowing down and looking within during a Mercury Retrograde.)

What are you doing with the time you have to yourself?
Time.......To........Myself................. oh.....yeah...... I'm supposed to be taking time for myself! LOL! Well, I will admit that my limited time to myself isn't always spent too wisely. As a mother think we are always having to learn and re-invent how our me-time is best spent, depending on what our needs are. Sometimes I need meditation or yoga. Sometimes I need pampering; a bubble bath, a book of fiction, or doing my nails. Sometimes I need mindless distraction, like facebook quizzes or playing FarmTown or just surfing the net. Sometimes I need learning. Latley my time to myself has been the learning/research phase. I think it's a reflection of my Capricorn nature, and when Mercury goes retrorade I seem to renew my interests in some things. I spent a few nights this past week pulling out all my books and looking up the folklore and magickal uses of broomsticks. I wrote down in my journal everything I could find on the subject. I let myself get obsessed, and I learned a lot. Once I felt I had learned as much as I could on that subject, I felt a lot better. Rested. Refreshed.
What are you looking for?
More Time. I'm still doing the dance trying to balance my time between kids, cleaning, work, spirituality, and rest. Did you know that time is speeding up? How am I supposed to pursue my life's purpose and keep a clean house when time is accelerating?? Another way I could answer the question of "What am I looking for?" is - A HOUSE. We have an offer in on a really really perfect home. But the oxymoronic term "Short Sale" actually means "Hurry Up and Wait"
What do you need to know?
I would like to know if we are getting this house or not!! ARGH! But Mercury as decided to teach me a lesson of patience once again. Actually, I woud feel better about it if there are no papers signed unil after Mercury goes direct. It's the supersticious astrologer in me. But I just want to KNOW ifwe have found it, or if we should keep looking. Can I start packing? Ugh. "Have faith, think positive!" is my mantra.
Who can help you find what you're looking for, or what you need to know?
Right now? Me. I know that I just need to wait it out. No one else can answer my questions at this time. But I can tell myself how to wait, how to have faith, how to be patient. I'm good at telling others to do these things I think I should just listen to my own advice.
What concerns about time do you have?
LOL. I think I answered that with quesion 2. Time is accelerating and I am not yet adjusted to it. Just Google "2012 time acceleration" and see what you come up with. Here is an interesting one I Just found; http://www.paradise2012.com/light/2012/2012.html
What do you need to complete?
I have really felt the urge to get back on track with my decluttering. I'm in the mood to purge myself of unnessecary items. I want to just let it all go. Perhaps this is the Mercury Retrograde helping me finish something I started a long....long time ago. Perhaps this is the Virgo Sun and The Hermit helping me look at things with a clarity and understanding. Perhaps this is just my spirit answering my questions about the house and helping me prepare for packing and moving... whatever the case, I'm going with it and letting myself enjoy the physcal purging of my surroundings and working on my detail cleaning as I go. Yep. I've been cleaning the walls. And for some reason I really feel like this is my main priority that I need to finish... clearing the clutter and cleaning the walls...